Springfield, IL (WAND) – Gov. JB Pritzker could soon sign a plan to improve public safety by increasing fines for people driving around school buses using an extended stop arm.
Drivers stopped by police for ignoring the safety arms are currently fined a minimum of $300 and have their driver’s license suspended for six months. Some Illinois school districts also have stop arm safety technology, but the fine for drivers going past those arms is capped at $150.
This plan would create a uniform $300 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent violation.
“It’s not a mandate,” said Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank). “Instead, it empowers local law enforcement with options and greater local control so they can choose what’s best for their community to curb dangerous driving behavior.”
Advocates said communities consistently see that roughly nine of 10 motorists who receive one ticket for passing a bus with the stop arm out never receive a second.
House Bill 3175 received unanimous support in both chambers this spring.
